County Commits To Aiding Displaced Federal Workers
Prince George’s County Council Acts to Support Federal Workers Amid Shutdown
Compiled By Raoul Dennis
As federal layoffs ripple through Prince George’s County — home to more than 70,000 federal employees and contractors — local leaders are moving swiftly to provide relief. On Tuesday, October 7, the County Council convened at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building in Largo to vote on what was first CB-24-2025, the Federal Worker Emergency Assistance Act, and adopted CR-124-2025, a companion resolution spearheaded by Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6).
Here is the resolution.
The measures come as a direct response to the ongoing federal shutdown, which has left thousands of local residents suddenly unemployed or uncertain about their futures. The Council’s legislative package aims to cushion the blow by offering job transition pathways, workforce training, and community-based assistance to affected residents.
“I am proud of the passage of the Federal Worker Assistance Act,” says Council Member Wala Blegay. “During this very difficult time of massive layoffs and a federal government shutdown, we want our federal workers to know that we are here to serve and support them. This bill ensures access to critical resources for those who keep our government running.”
Councilmember Wala Blegay (D-Dist. 6)
Under the newly adopted resolution, Employ Prince George’s will establish a Federal Workers Job Recovery Initiative—a program providing free job training, reemployment assistance, and career counseling for laid-off federal workers. The bill also calls for a countywide food assistance database to connect displaced workers and their families with local food banks and support programs.
Additionally, the legislation directs the county government to provide priority hiring consideration for displaced federal employees applying for county positions. Local businesses that take on federal workers may also receive incentives, strengthening the connection between economic recovery and community resilience.
“As the county with the highest number of impacted federal workers, Prince George’s must lead in supporting these families during times of uncertainty,” Blegay said during the legislative session. “This legislation makes clear that we stand with our workers, and we are ready to provide real resources and opportunities when they are needed most.”
Blegay noted that while initial drafts of the bill proposed a local emergency fund, the county’s current budget deficit required scaling back that provision. However, she emphasized that the state has allocated funds to support affected federal workers, and the county’s initiative complements that effort by focusing on training and employment recovery.
By approving the Federal Worker Emergency Assistance Act and its companion resolution, the Council reinforced its commitment to protecting working families and sustaining community stability during federal economic disruptions.
“We want to make sure our federal workers are not displaced,” Blegay added. “They’ve served this nation faithfully, and our county will stand by them now.”
